As I mentioned in my post earlier today, i've been waiting months in high anticipation of Amon Amarth's new album "Surtur Rising". I got my hands on a promo copy a few weeks ago and have been listening to it almost nonstop since. To show my support of the band I still snapped up the iTunes release as soon as it was available. I've always had a soft spot for Amon Amarth, partly because I love Viking metal and partly because "Once Sent from the Golden Hall" was one of the first albums I ever reviewed.

Amon Amarth have come a long way since "Golden Hall" and have improved in increments with each new release. The older albums were driven by raw power whereas now the more recent material, and in particular "Surtur Rising", have a polished but thick and punchy sound which just makes them that much more crushing.

For the moment the songs I keep coming back to, and playing at unhealthy volumes, are tracks four and five: "Slaves of Fear" and "Live Without Regrets". That may change over time but for the now these are the songs that make me want to jump in the pit.

Amon Amarth are getting ready to tour in support of the new album and they will be playing "Surtur Rising" in its entirety as well as a second set of other material. So, a night of nothing but Amon Amarth? No openers? No filler? Just crushing Viking metal? Sign me up! Oh wait, i've already bought my tickets. See you there.